July 19, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:14 -- Snaring temptations and freedom

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

14  The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025).
 
Snares are traps designed to catch small animals. For instance, you snare a rabbit. There is a wire loop that catches the rabbit unawares. It loops around the rabbit’s neck or his body and tightens. The rabbit is either held in place, or, if the loop is around the neck, tightens until it dies. In the New Testament the word temptation is the word snare. Isn’t that telling? Temptations to sin are snares which hold you and begin to strangle you. Sadly, the Bible teaches us that many of our snares come from within our own wicked minds. Plus, snaring temptations are set by the world, as they seek to invite you to join in their dissipation.
 
A word to the wise. Examine your own mind, reasons for acting and urges. As the Reformer John Calvin wrote so long ago, our minds are idol factories. Basically, we snare ourselves by our desires and choke ourselves off from God. Rev. Dr. Richard Keyes, expanding on that idea writes:
            The natural human response to the true God after the Fall is rebellion
            and avoidance. Sin predisposes us to want to be independent of God,
            to be laws unto ourselves, to be autonomous, so that we can do what 
            we want without bowing to His authority. At the most basic level, idols
            are what we make out of the evidence of God within ourselves and in
            the world—if we do not want to face the face of God Himself in His
            majesty and holiness. Rather than look to the Creator and have to deal
            with His lordship, we orient ourselves towards creations, where we can
            be more free to control and shape our lives in our desired direction.
            However, since we were made to relate to God, but do not want to face
            Him, we forever inflate things in this world to religious proportions to
            fill the vacuum left by God’s exclusion.”
            Richard Keyes “The Idol Factory” (as quoted in Gospel Treason. Brad
            Bigney, page 31)
So, are you getting yourself caught up in your sins? Are you trapped by what you’re thinking, and snared by your planning? Turn to Jesus. He is your Rescue. He is the trap-exposing, chain-breaking, Savior of His people. Gather with God’s people. Get clean. Be honest. Find freedom so that sinful snares are exposed and deflated. Worship the Living God, so that in Him the religious vacuum you’d otherwise experience is filled. As one who receives the teaching of the wise you will live in the full joy of knowing Him Who made you and you will accomplish the purposes for which He made you. What an adventure that is.
 
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/A3U0G7OiKJw?si=T-OoztLIxAf7qkxb And Can It Be?

 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 18, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:14 -- Thirsty souls revived

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

14  The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025)
 
Interestingly, that term “fountain of life” has been used before, “[T]he mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life” Proverbs 10:11a. While reading this verse, and our verse today, I immediately think of Jesus, when He taught the Samaritan woman at the well. He called Himself “living water” and “the water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:10,14).
 
In Proverbs, the term “fountain” means a spring of water that is pure and reliably flows in a region where intermittent streams and riverbeds are common. It is good to know that Israel is a land that is classified as semi-arid. There are just enough rains for crops to grow well; but to speak of a fountain of water is to speak of life, of sufficiency, of God’s great provision.
 
Jesus Christ is for us living water. Jesus is for us life-giving. Our thirsty souls drink deeply from the well of salvation and know abundance and know joy. The hot days of summer mean that we are often thirsty. Even just a cup of water is a great blessing. Life in a world where sin is thirst-causing and the philosophies all around us are bone dry, leading to a gasping, parched death, the offer of living water, and constantly flowing soul-refreshment truly is a huge blessing.
 
Are you spiritually dry? You might be more dehydrated than you even realize. Thirst can sneak up on you that way! Turn to Jesus.
 
Are you chasing after one unsatisfactory thing after another? Let the Spirit of God teach you through the Word, so that the wise teaching of Jesus will be a spring of living water ever welling up in you to eternal life.
 
The blessedness of such thirst-quenching, soul-reviving goodness will reveal the chalky, dustiness of the world’s temptations for what they really are, ridiculous, and soul desiccating. The one who drinks the living water Jesus supplies will be so delighted, he can not be tempted by the dryness of this arid world. Turn to Jesus and drink deeply from the well of salvation.
 
Faithful Father, thank You for the rich supply of salvation, that living water welling up in us to eternal life, freely given to us in Jesus. Thank You for the Holy Spirit Who daily supplies our souls with such refreshment through Jesus. Forgive us for our wanderings, going after all the things of this world that could never satisfy us. As I have been instructed in words of life, let my words and my actions be a witness to others, a fountain of life leading others to Jesus. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/RZNOYmwiKCs?si=rQ0QhjcQnYkompYK Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 17, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:13 -- Obedience blessed

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself;
but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
Proverbs 13:13 ESV
 
How do people despise the word?

• By ignoring it, and letting it sit on the shelf, unread

• By reading it and deciding what part to obey and what part they won’t submit to.

• By refusing to attend the preaching of the word

• By refusing the godly advice of mature brothers

• By wilfully sinning against the clear commands of the LORD.

The word itself has built into it consequences for disobedience. For example, a Christian woman who marries a man who is not a Christian will be dragged away from her faith. But more than this even, the word teaches “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7) all your sinful actions are like seeds which will sprout evil in your life. Any violation of the word of God will be planting self-destruction into your world.
 
The promise of God is that the one who fears God, and therefore obeys His commandments, will be rewarded. The fear of God

• is greater than the fear of man.

• is living in reverent obedience, no matter the earthly consequences,

• is dearer to the man of God than all that the world purports to offer

• is allowing the impact of the word of God to be worked out into every part of your life

• is teaching the way of righteousness to the next generation

 
In Isaiah 11 the gift of the seven-fold Spirit, that is, the Holy Spirit, poured out into the life of the believer, is described this way:
And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2-3a ESV
What a glorious description of the man, of the woman, of the child, who walks with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. Knowing God is the greatest reward. Eschewing evil is the most basic part of obedience to God, but it will not be sustainable unless one understands the foundation of the Christian life. The LORD promises, I will be your God, and you will be My people—that is the greatest treasure of life. That is what prompts a Christian to revere (fear the LORD), obey, and even delight in the word of God. In submission to the word, at the end of all obedience is relationship with the Author of the word. Such sustained obedience to the One Who perfects true obedience results in godly living which is full joy and purpose.
 
Great Father, when You told Moses to lead Israel into the Promised Land, but that You would not go with them, Moses refused. He declared “If Your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). Mighty God, if Moses knew enough to say in the wilderness with You, rather than go up to a beautiful land flowing with milk and honey if it meant Your Presence wouldn’t be there, then God of majesty and splendor, keep me in the place of hardship where You are, rather than allowing me to wander to places where Your Presence won’t be the rich blessing and the anchor of all of life. Teach me the path of obedience which is also the only way to fullness of life with You, fullness of the joy for which I was created, and extravagant hope for tomorrow wherein You are my all-in-all. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/FSHe-kibZDg?si=dDY4PWz09ohdBgXO Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 14, 2026 -- Ecclesiastes 4:5 -- What is idleness? Why is it so devastating?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
Ecclesiastes 4:5 ESV
 
Those words were like an electric shock to me. (TBH first I needed to figure out what they meant. But the sentence was so unusual I did a bit of digging and then the electricity of it hit me.) Remember that Solomon writes these words for believers. A fool, that is someone who says in his heart there is no god (Psalm 14:1), can in the scriptures also be a description of someone who is acting foolishly. That is, who knows better, but is acting like a non-believer.
 
To fold one’s hands is to be idle. My grade 9 English teacher loved idioms and pithy sayings. One he quoted often is “idleness is the Devil’s workshop” (which he applied to students who had not completed their homework!). That idiom likely is a summary of varied verses like Proverbs 10:4, 16:27, II Thessalonians 3:10-12. In this instance folded hands are NOT praying hands, but evidence that one refuses to work.
 
Of course, the big question is, what does it mean that the lazy man “eats his own flesh”? It means he begins to torment himself. The longer he is lazy, or doing nothing, the more his racing mind begins to spin out. His anger gets whipped up. His self-loathing is stirred up. His mind thinks about injustices and wrongs committed against him, even as he is just sitting there and wasting God’s precious gifts of time, and opportunities for good, and talents to exercise them. He is oblivious to how he is insulting God and ignoring his duties to service.
 
In context, a Christian man or woman, does well to dedicate his day and his play to the LORD. He may be tempted to idleness and rehearsing wrongs committed against himself, but he will not luxuriate in these. He puts a stop to such idleness by asking the LORD, in view of the great love You have shown me in Christ, how shall I live for You today? Who should I forgive? Who needs comfort, or instruction, or of the fixing help a handy man? Then, use the abilities you have for the glory of God. You’ll stir yourself from eating your own flesh. You’ll stop the hamster wheel of useless thoughts. You’ll begin to see the people around you as real, people, needy and broken as you are. You’ll see how the grace of God is something you’ve been given, and such grace as you’ve received you have the privilege of administering to those around you. What a glorious God we serve!
 
I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. Witnessed the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! The oppressors seemed to have all the power, and the oppressed seemed to have no one to comfort them. I was tempted to sit and grow in my frustration. Instead of wasting time that way, by the intervening grace of Your Spirit, I considered Your Word and Your ways, O God of Glory. As You have rescued me in Christ, and given me life and purpose, You have furthermore blessed me with the power to share these gifts by Your dynamic Spirit living in me. Therefore, I pray to You, Mighty God, excite in me a new enthusiasm to serve You. Amen.
 
(The first two sentences of today’s prayer are a variation of Ecclesiastes 4:1)
 
https://youtu.be/JZUxy6WSS_M?si=8wfwJELECt0McDzk Thine is the Kingdom
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 13, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:12 -- What's happening to the hope in your heart?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12 ESV
 
When I meet with prisoners, one of the most prominent features of their life is their lack of hope. Prison squeezes hope out of them. When there is a parole hearing, some of the guys feel hope rise in them for the first time in a long time. Maybe they’ll get out. Maybe things will be different. Maybe. When the meeting with the Parole Board takes place, if it is a decision against granting the inmate parole that is handed down, the man is crushed. His hope is deferred, dragged away and placed far out of his reach. The depressing discouragement that follows is hard to see. I am sure all of us can relate. Something longed for was snatched away.
 
Today’s passage reminds us that believers have their hope firmly anchored in Jesus. Their hope is not for retirement or riches, family times or accolades. Look at the second line of today’s proverb. The tree of life might ring bells reminding you of Genesis. In the Garden of Eden God planted the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Adam and Eve sinned and ate of it). God the Father threw Adam and Eve out of the Garden before they could eat of the Tree of Life. A mighty angel with a flaming sword guarded the entrance to Eden so no one could enter. After the Flood, the Garden of Eden was swept away. However, the Tree of Life is referred to in other places in the Bible.
In Proverbs “she [wisdom] is a tree of life to all who lay hold of her” (3:18). Then we read “The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life” (Proverbs 11:30). Jesus was crucified on the tree. It was a tree that was a curse. He became a curse for us, so that in Him we might have life. Jesus is our wisdom. He is our righteousness. He is that tree of life that restores hope. In Revelation, all those who are in Christ, will be able to eat from the tree of life (Revelation 2:7). In Revelation 22 the leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations.
Believers do not have a hope that is dragged away; no, our is confident hope that:

• their sins are forgiven in Jesus

• their future in the presence of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is guaranteed because of Jesus’ reconciling work

• they are already now beloved sons and daughters of God the Most High

• this world and its troubles and even severe persecutions can never separate them from the love of God that is theirs in Christ

• motivates them to live for Jesus now, bearing witness to Him in Whom all their godly desires are met and all their expectations are exceeded.

 
Father in Heaven, God of all Good, by the power of Your Spirit living in me, unhook my desires from all that is lowly, earthly, worldly, and less-than wholly You-focused. As I contemplate the confident hope of all the blessings already mine in Christ, and all those to be mine in Christ at the Day of Judgment, let the extravagant wonder of belonging to You in Christ fill my thoughts, guard me against sin, and direct my steps. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/igV63aKSqb8?si=dG7hPZWZVsDC72P- Spirit of God
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 11, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:11 -- Why is this happening to me?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
Proverbs 13:11 ESV
 
Who gathers wealth little by little? It is the hard worker who puts a little money aside each month and watches it grow. Because he has carefully gathered it, he will be frugal and wise in spending it. Honest work and careful money management lead to wise living. As some of you may know, discipline in one area of life will inevitably lead to discipline in other areas of life.
 
No doubt you have read of lottery winners who have suddenly gained wealth and then lost it. Or experienced other troubles. You can find all kinds of on-line advice regarding the challenges you’ll face. Friends will hound you for cash. You’ll get bewildered wanting to make purchases like large homes, forgetting expensive long-term implications like heating bills, water bills, and property taxes. You’ll get isolated from your community because you have money while your friends do not, so your travel plans, life-style choices and so on will be far too rich for the people you used to spend time with. Why mention such things?
 
The believer in Jesus Christ knows that riches or poverty, health or sickness, all things in life do not befall him by chance but are injected into life by the Father’s ever-present power and all-wise knowledge. He rules every part of the believer’s life. He considers a man’s sin and its consequences. He allows believers to backslide, even as He has them bound to Himself by the cords of His love and the dynamic Spirit living within every believer.
 
This does make the believer lazy or careless. No way!

1. Believers are men and women of thankfulness. The knowledge the watchful care of their Father in heaven leads them to honour God in every aspect of life.

2. Believers know the hard circumstances of life are training grounds for prayer and increasing one’s trust in the Lord. In fact, isn’t it true, the harder your circumstances, the greater is the likelihood you’ll be praying? The easier life is, the greater is the likelihood you’ll slide past intense prayer times?

3. Believers realize all that they have, like time and skills, money and opportunity, are all given by God so that whatever they have can be shared with those in need. And, if a believer is in need, he learns the humble necessity of asking for help from fellow Christians. That lesson will increase his understanding how hard it is to ask for help. Knowing this, teaches him to become a kinder giver to others in need of help.

4. Believers know the present troubles of life are light and momentary, compared to the glories awaiting them in heaven.

 
Father in heaven, Your love and Your purposes are mysterious to me. By the powerful presence of Your Spirit increase my faith and develop the spiritual gift of patience. King Jesus, thank You for the fullness of Your reconciling work such that I can live with the full assurance whatever is happening in my life, God the Father is treating me with underserved kindness and tender love—all of which will be exposed and plain to me in eternity. Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer. I pray this in the Name of Jesus, in Whom I can find rest for my soul. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/igV63aKSqb8?si=QqixjYjpk1HYvFGY Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart
 

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July 9, 2026 -- Matthew 16:24-26 -- What does it mean to follow Jesus?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version
(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Matthew 16:24–26.
 
Ever wonder how much money there is in the world? It has been estimated there is about 150 trillion (US) dollars. Plus, another 250 trillion or so in gold, silver etc. If you had it all, every penny of it, there’d be no profit for your soul. The greatest treasure of all time, in any age, in life and in death, is knowing Jesus Christ. How do we live so that we do not lose Jesus, the greatest treasure? He told us.

1. Deny yourself. Anything that would infer with your walk with God, even good things in this life (like studies, or jobs, or hobbies) must be set aside in favor of the greatest good: Jesus. Basically, whatever it is that your selfish impulses desire more than Jesus, this is what must be denied. In denying yourself the Spirit of God expands your capacity to live for, and serve in loving devotion to, Jesus.

2. Take up your cross. It is the willingness to endure suffering for the sake of Jesus. He led the way. He suffered mocking, hatred, and even death. Jesus taught that those who believe in Him are not greater than He is. Since He suffered, His followers will suffer as well. There are men who I’ve met in prison who’ve testified going to prison was the best blessing they could ever receive. Their sin was halted. Exposed. And they were forced to examine their lives. In the hardest place of life, Jesus proved to be the greatest blessing. This is true, at the point we pick up our cross we will find our union with Jesus is the greatest blessing ever.

3. Follow Jesus—three “w” words help here.

   1. Worship includes private devotional times, where one reads the bible, prays, gives time and treasures to God, and sings to God. Worship includes public worship in church services and Bible Study groups. God’s love is explained and God’s people respond in praise and thanks to God.

   2. Witness. When the love of God, perfectly demonstrated in Jesus, touches your heart, you can’t help but tell others. One of the more timid men in prison shared with me yesterday that others around him in prison have noticed a change in him. He attributes the change to Jesus. They are intrigued. Even though he is shy, the radiance of God’s love inevitably shines out from his life. Telling others about Jesus becomes the most natural thing ever, because He is the most important Person ever.

   3. Work. In public and in private, at your workplace, school, leisure, night and day, you live for Jesus. All your life is focused on this one goal: living for Jesus. That is what it means to follow Jesus.

4. Prepare for His return. There is a finish line, a goal in all of this, that is living knowing Jesus will return. When He does, the weight of everything you’ve given up serving Him will seem light and momentary, in view of the weight of glory in store for you in eternity. When Jesus returns, all wrongs will be made right. All injustices will be addressed. It is a moment of terrible justice, and great glory. His people will stand and shout: it was worth it. Every moment of it. Martyrs will cheer the blessedness of God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.

 
GLORIOUS GOD,
 It is the flame of my life to worship thee,
the crown and glory of my soul to adore thee,
heavenly pleasure to approach thee.
Give me power by the Spirit to help me worship now,
that I may forget the world,
be brought into the fullness of life,
be refreshed, comforted, blessed.
Give me knowledge of thy goodness
that I might not be over-awed by they greatness;
Give me Jesus, Son of Man, Son of God,
that I might not be terrified,
but drawn near with filial love,
with holy boldness;
He is my Mediator, Brother, Interpreter, Branch, Daysman, Lamb;
him I glorify, in him I am set on high.
Crowns to give I have none
but what thou hast given I return, content to feel that
everything is mine when it is thine
and the more fully mine when I have yielded it to thee.
Let me live wholly to my Saviour,
free from distractions, from ^carking care,
from hindrances to the pursuit of the narrow way.
I am pardoned through the blood of Jesus-
give me a new sense of it,
continue to pardon me by it,
may I come every day to the fountain,
and every day to be washed anew, that I may worship thee always
 in spirit and truth.
 
^carking care: distressing or worrisome cares
 
Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions, “Worship”. Editor A. Bennet: Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, 2020 edition, page 358
 
https://youtu.be/TpELMk4-3n8?si=Bjk9mLsSDqrhgMAs O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer
 

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July 7, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:10 -- Living in True Community

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

By insolence comes nothing but strife,
but with those who take advice is wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10 ESV
 
Who is the insolent person? One who is unable to take advice or correction. His sneering behavior breaks community. There is a defensive rudeness that surrounds him in posture and speech. Strife follows as those who’ve experienced the rudeness of the insolent person. It draws out a reaction which includes matching rudeness for rudeness.
 
It is a bit harder to get a handle on the second phrase. Those who take advice are the people who, when corrected, when their sins are pointed out to them, will receive it humbly. The Amplified Bible translates it this way: “But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel.”
 
A friend of mine, who spends a lot of time with his grandson, had just explained to his grandson the importance of truth-telling. A little while later his grandson caught him in a lie. Rather than blowing up or getting defensive (displaying insolence to his tender grandson); he admitted his error and asked for forgiveness and did what he could to undo the impact of the lie. Why mention this? Well, living with an attitude that welcomes counsel can only be instilled in us by a living, active relationship with God.
 
God our Father uses the most unlikely people and circumstances to correct us. Are you open to hearing His reproof given to you through the person of His choosing? Jesus made the way open for us to live in community. As we are forgiven in Christ, so we extend to and receive from one another forgiveness. The Holy Spirit brings people together into true community humbling and gifting us so that we can both offer and receive golden, godly wisdom from one another.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for Your tender, persistent, lovingkindness mixed with patience, which lifts me from the stupor of insolence. Thank You for the people You have put into my life who can comment and correct me and then celebrate with me the changes brought about through Jesus’ reconciling work. Ah, faithful God, lead us in community so that we will grow and mature in Christ. Thank You, glorious Father, for the gift of the Holy Spirit, through Whom we are knit together and enabled to sharpen one another for holy service. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/u-ZAQwXZ7YQ?si=7jPgbkyfAYaosKeu Lord of Eternity
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 6, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:6 -- Spiritual guardrails in your life

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
but sin overthrows the wicked. Proverbs 13:6 ESV
 
Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ, as you read Proverbs with me, you’ll see how verses from previous passages, placed next to current passages, can bless the reader and give deeper clarity on what was written. For example, as you read today’s passage, you might ask how is it that righteousness guards him whose way is blameless? Solomon wrote “keep your father’s commandment” and “forsake not your mother’s teaching” (6:20) then he added:
When you walk, they (your father’s commandments/your mother’s teaching) will lead you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will talk with you. (Proverbs 6:22 ESV)
 
All of us have a “soundtrack” running through our brains. It is the constant narrative of approval, disapproval, disappointment, bad self-talk and so on. What does the Word of God do? It is instruction in holiness, a.k.a. righteousness which is Spirit-fueled holiness acted our in our daily life. Righteousness is the clothing of Jesus’ perfect obedience given to us when He took our sin, our guilt, our past and our shame and was punished for these at the cross. Righteousness is the desire then to go where the Spirit leads us as we live in obedience to Jesus.
 
Think of how often you lie down on the couch to watch a movie which is violent, or contrary to God’s Word. Or spend hours gaming while your children are missing out on precious time with dad or mom…or worse, learning by your example to game and shut out the world. The commandments of God and the teaching of your mother when these are heard and put into practice lead you in the way of life in Christ.
 
Of course, I know I have readers who did not, or do not have godly fathers or mothers. Then the reference goes to the person, or people God placed in your life who are serving in their stead. Your spiritual father, or your spiritual mother, the ones who led you in the way of God, their instruction in the ways of God will be clear direction in life.
 
Think about how radically your life changes if you were to listen more closely to the words of life given to you in the Bible! It is righteousness that guards you in the way that is blameless. It is righteousness that shines like the dawn, bringing more light as the day progresses, drawing others to the light of Christ radiating outwards from the Spirit’s presence in you.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for the righteousness that is mine in Christ. Thank You for the wholesome work of the Spirit, Who is guarding me in the way that is blameless. Forgive me for the times I chafe against the cords of Your lovingkindness and push against the guardrails of Your protection around me. Mighty God, fill my thoughts, to fullness and overflowing, with the awareness of Your majesty, Your goodness, Your love, Your compassion, so that I will always want to be, and will always be guarded in my every step with You. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/CmNXeReZqAg?si=_djfMS2p2Mr-U4c- Be Still My Soul
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 5, 2026 -- Matthew 16:15 -- How do you answer the question: "Who is Jesus"?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am? Matthew 16:15 ESV
 
Have you explored Who Jesus Is? Yes, you individually, have you asked that question? Have you turned over that question in your mind and pondered it in your heart? The way you answer the question informs how you live. If you think of Jesus merely as fire insurance, that is, as the One Who keeps you from hell while basically allowing you to do your own thing, you have not answered the question correctly.

1. Those who are part of the Church of Jesus the Messiah, are those who speak His Name with adoration. To break out into songs declaring His goodness. Public worship draws you in, because you love to meet with other believers. You listen to sermons because you know the word as it is explained helps you to know Jesus, upon Whom the whole bible is centred. You have morning, or evening devotions, that is bible reading and prayer—because your life is bound up with Jesus.

2. Believers in Jesus Christ, know that their past sinful lives will have a strong pull on their current lives. Sin is pleasurable. The devil was never a dummy. He’ll wave before your eyes the pleasures of sin. Speak to your mind about how you’re missing out if you obey Jesus, instead of indulging your whims and following through on your pleasurable temptations. Those who believe in Jesus hear the temptations of the devil and know those are vicious lies which would lead a follower of Jesus to slide from Him into the ways of wickedness. To obey the tempter is to bring disgrace and discredit to the Name of Jesus. But as we noted in the first point, the adoration of Jesus, thinking about His greatness and His love that rescued us from our sin, leads us to hate our sin and begin to walk in the way of salvation.

3. Those who answer the question correctly, knowing Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, bear witness to His goodness. They can’t help but declare His goodness. It is obvious even to the men who are incarcerated. I have guys who are always inviting others to come to chapel services or Overcomers Meetings. They are aware of the goodness of God and can’t help but make sure others know the invitation is open. This is the work of God in the life of those to whom the Spirit of God has revealed Jesus as precious, glorious, the Redeemer.

 
Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Let that confession of Who You are always be a source of joyful contemplation for me, and the awe-filled reason motivating wholehearted obedient service to You. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/srZ9IGsFy4o?si=uXwOzWwfu7ssU1nd Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

July 4, 2026 -- Matthew 16:1-4 -- The most unlikely converts

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.
Matthew 16:1-4 ESV
 
The Pharisees and Sadducees had witnessed miracles already. The sick were healed, the lame walked, the blind had their eyes opened, and demons were cast out of those who’d been possessed. So, what would be a greater sign from heaven? The greatest sign was standing right in front of them: Jesus the Son of God, incarnate. He is the love of God sent from heaven to rescue lost and ruined sinners. They missed the sign. Worse, they refused to acknowledge Jesus!
 
What is the “sign of Jonah?” He was a prophet who didn’t preach to the nation of Israel, because the hardness of the people’s hearts. They wouldn’t listen. He was sent to Nineveh—the enemies of God’s people. The hardness of Israel’s heart provided opportunity for Gentiles, non-Jewish people, to receive the word of the LORD and repent. And, in fact, the Ninevites did receive the love of God. It was recorded that the Ninevites, from the king on his throne, to the most menial worker, all repented.
 
It serves as a warning to us today. Is you heart open to the Gospel? Are you listening to Jesus? Or is your heart hard to the Gospel message? I urge you, recognize Jesus as the ultimate sign from heaven, the greatest evidence EVER of the radiant love of God. Open your heart, and your arms, to the most unexpected converts. (Let’s face it, if God set His love on you, why wouldn’t He love others as well? God is in the business of saving sinners.) Jonah himself was hardened. He was so upset that God in His great mercy had saved his enemies, the Ninevites. (Now, who does that sound like? You? Me? Of course it does. How do we know for sure that Jonah repented and changed his ways? Jonah wrote the prophetic book which is in the Old Testament, the one which bears his name, Jonah. He was a stubborn prophet, whose heart was changed by the lovingkindness of God, and he had to tell everyone.
 
Merciful Father in heaven, thank You for Jesus, the sign from heaven, Who radiates Your love and justice. Spirit of God, open our hearts to every person You bring to our fellowships, missions and churches. Forgive us the many times we have tried to shut the door behind us, unwilling to see Your saving grace reach the people we think are our enemies. Let our hearts be filled with the mercy of our Father in heaven, our minds ready to disciple others in the way of Jesus, and by the Spirit’s work in us, disciple one another until we all grow up into Christ, the Head. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/BY6VAy9y_iQ?si=KEnAUMnnI7vkrD1x Jesus, Friend of Sinners
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 30, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:5 -- Falsehood, you say you hate it, but do you really?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The righteous hates falsehood,
but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
Proverbs 13:5 ESV
 
Falsehood obviously means false words. But it also means false actions, whatever is not in line with the Word and will of God. It is hypocrisy in any form. This is particularly painful for me as Christian denominations send missionaries around the globe, excited for new converts, while at the same time are false in their treatment of converts at home. As a missionary to the prisons, this is my painful experience. Men and women who have made credible professions of faith to Jesus, have been excluded from churches. Such actions bring shame and disgrace to glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.
 
This month’s Table Talk focuses on the theme of spiritual gifts. Jonathan Landry Cruse comments:
So it is the Spirit who does the work of forming the church. Interestingly, He includes
in the membership of the church people that you and I would easily disregard. Paul says that we are all baptized into one body, whether “Jews or Greeks, slaves or free.” These were the greatest divides in the ancient world, the people who held one another in greatest disdain. Who are those for you? Whoever they are, it is not beyond the Spirit to bring them into the church with you, or you into the church with them.
Table Talk, ed. Thomas Brewer. July 2026, Vol.50, No. 7, “Many Members, One Body”, J. L. Cruse, page 8.
It is my experience that the leaders and members of local “Christian” churches are the most prejudiced against those who have been incarcerated. Whereas Jews and Greeks, slaves or free used to be the classes of people who received greatest disdain in the ancient world, today, those who are, or who have been incarcerated, are treated with greatest contempt. What is worse, those who have made a credible profession of faith while incarcerated, are nevertheless ignored by many congregations. It is actively bringing shame to the lovely work of Christ at the cross. It grieves me deeply, knowing that the Spirit’s sanctification and giftings given to currently and formerly incarcerated men and women could open for local congregations whole new opportunities for gospel growth; but their contribution is treated with disgrace. As was required in ancient times, so is required today, may God’s Spirit break our stubborn pride, plow up our entrenched fears, and allow the reconciling grace of Jesus Christ to move among us all.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for the reconciling grace of Jesus Christ by which Your Spirit plowed up the hard ground of our own hearts and planted in us the powerful seed of the word. Thank You for Your patience with us, hardened sinners, better suited for hell than for the pews, which would not let us go until wretches such as we have become believers whose only boast is in Christ. Forgive us, patient Sovereign, for holding out one hand to receive more grace, while with the other we strive to firmly close the door in the face of others who frighten us, those who are not like us, or those who would change us. Give us to the holy confidence that You know Your holy purposes. Teach us humbleness of heart so that we will welcome all You bring to us and with them, we would grow in maturity in Christ, Who is the Head of the Church. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/-44GH3NhdIA?si=MgYCbLFFEB-sAYJx I Asked the Lord that I Might Grow
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 29, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:1 -- The power of an appropriate rebuke

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

A wise son hears his father’s instruction,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
Proverbs 13:1 ESV
 
Why do Christians need to be rebuked? BTW, to be rebuked is to receive sharp disapproval, or strong words of correction. Think about who is writing this proverb. King Solomon. His heart was led astray by his 700 wives and 300 concubines. For them he built temples and altars to pagan gods. He knows whereof he speaks when he wrote “a scoffer does not listen to rebuke”. I wonder how many of his officials and priests railed against him for these wicked projects? He ignored them.
 
Sin skews our sense of right and wrong. It is such a basic truth, but it plays out so obviously in real life. Sin collapses reality so that more Sin seems inconsequential. Praise God for the clarity of the Word.
 
Where do you need to be rebuked? Where are you allowing sin to gain a foothold, while simultaneously ignoring what you know is right? In Matthew 4, Jesus’ first preached words were “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). If you know where you’re ignoring wise instruction, turn from that sin and return to God. The grace of God is such He will, by the Spirit’s work convict you of sin while presenting to you Jesus Christ. Jesus was punished in your place for your sin, and His righteousness has been imputed to you. Receive it with thanksgiving as you glorify God.
 
My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;
for thee all the follies of sin I resign;
my gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;
if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
   Stanza 1, My Jesus I Love Thee
   Attributed to William R. Featherston (Canada, 1846-1873)
 
https://youtu.be/4oVwY8q31s0?si=vi-U-a4VnlursGE9 My Jesus I Love Thee
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 28, 2026 -- Matthew 15:29 -- After brokenness, full, wonderful restoration

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there.

Matthew 15:29 ESV
 
Jesus is by the Sea of Galilee and the mountain nearby that place is called Mt. Tabor. You wouldn’t necessarily know that place. But the Jewish people would. It is a place that is significant because the female Judge of Israel, Deborah, assembled the people at Mt. Tabor and with the general, Barak, they went on to defeat their enemies. Then their enemies were Sisera (the general of the army), the army of the Canaanites, all of whom were ruled by Israel’s enemy, King Jabin (Judges 4). It was a huge victory for the people of God and Deborah sang unto the LORD. It is the picture of God’s people rescued by God appropriately celebrating His goodness.
 
However, Mt. Tabor is also a place of humiliation and defeat. According to the prophet Hosea, Mt. Tabor is the place where the people spread out offerings in their worship to false gods. They shamefully bowed themselves to the very gods who in the past had been defeated by the LORD. Mt. Tabor became a place of humiliation. It was a place of historic shame that reverberated to the present. Why would Jesus go there?
 
Jesus saves the people who can’t save themselves. He goes up that mountain of shame, of defeat, to bring His victory to the place of Israel’s humiliation and wickedness. The people were locked in their union with evil and Jesus broke the curse. He preached (which is what is indicated when he sat down—the posture of preachers in those days). He broke the curse as He healed all those brought to Him. As it was then, so it is today, Jesus frees His people from the curse of sin. He lifts the eyes of His people from condemnation and shame and grants them a measure of glory. In Jesus Christians are counted as sons and daughters of the Living God. In Jesus Christians are given the powerful Holy Spirit to live in them so that sin can not rule believers and cast them back to everlasting ruin. In Jesus believers recognize the very sins which once held them captive, the source of their shame, has become the place where the power of God was made evident and it is the place where they declare:
I bless You, O Lord, my God. You have rescued me from death.
You have broken the curse of sin and shame.
You have reconciled me to Yourself through Jesus.
You have given me new life.
Blessed be Your Name O God, because added to all these great blessings You have added the gift of the Holy Spirit, by Whom I am united to You, so that Satan can never again control my life.
Glorious Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the crowning blessing of all, is to belong to You, and be secure in the knowledge that eternity will be such joy indescribable and wondrous because it will be the place where I can fully be in Your presence. You Yourself, Mighty God, are the richest blessing. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/4oVwY8q31s0?si=Okkbvwuz7LmpgneT My Jesus, I Love Thee
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 27, 2026 -- Proverbs 12:26 -- How'd I get here?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 12:26 ESV
 
How did I get here? It is the plaintive cry of men I meet with in the prisons. Though many around them could see exactly where they were headed, how their wicked companions and deceitful friends would lead them astray, those being led often didn’t see past the deadly amusement of the moment. Many of us know the maxim show me a man’s companions and I’ll tell you about that man’s character. Who you hang out with influences you far more than you realize. We readily say things like, “well, at least I’m not like that person, or those bad people.” Incarcerated or not, there is a commonly held unwillingness to examine one’s motives and actions against the only standard which matters: Jesus. When we look to Him, we realize the truth of the Word: all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23
 
One possible translation of Proverbs 12:26 could be: the righteous guides his friend. I like that. As Jesus is a friend of sinners, Who by His Spirit leads us in the way of righteousness, as followers of Jesus Christ we are to be friends to those around us, leading them in the way of righteousness. Righteousness is holiness in action. Righteousness is living for Jesus with whole-hearted commitment. We’ve already seen the consequences of deceitfulness and ruin wickedness brings; so it is an honour and a joy to live for Jesus! It is an even greater joy to walk with others and be used of God to lead them in the paths of righteousness.
 
Faithful God—my Shield and very Great Reward, I am weak and weary, send Your Spirit to revive me so that I am renewed in my whole-hearted, wholly joyful obedience to Jesus. Triune God, as I walk in step with You, let me be a guide in righteousness to friends and family members. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/TxC16duiHvQ?si=lsxn747wz9GOV89O O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer


 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 25, 2026 -- Proverbs 12:18-19 -- What are you speaking? Are you truthful?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Proverbs 12:18-19 ESV
 
It is confusing, right? It seems like these little, pithy sayings are just pushed together. I can totally relate. So, I have made a commitment to work my way through Proverbs, so that I can hear what God is saying; apply it while examining myself to see if I am walking with integrity according to the insights received.
 
At verse 5 we are instructed how one thinks influences how one speaks. Sometimes a person is accused of speaking thoughtlessly. However, it is more likely that the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart—whatever it is that has been filling your thoughts (even if you are not paying attention to what you’re thinking) that is what you’ll be spewing from your mouth.
 
Rash words are ill-advised, as a sword slashes which cut wildly and wound cruelly, so rash words cause lasting damage, physical, spiritual, emotional. And such rash words often are lying words as well. There is a difference between a doctor’s scalpel and a warrior’s sword. One is precise. Cuts away what is deadly. The other cuts away, hacking at everything while giving full vent to fury. The promise is that the rash, lying tongue will soon be brought down to the grave.
 
Those who are in Christ will speak wise words. Those who are in Christ will be stopped in their anger and brought to repentance. Their lips, once rash like the wicked, will be transformed by the Spirit so that words of truth and healing will flow. Fellow Christians, who call out the ill-advised words, will be heeded and healing will begin. Healing that flows from heaven and restores relationship with God, and relationship among the people of God. Our Father in heaven spoke truly when before the foundation of the world He decreed to rescue people in His beloved Son, Jesus. Jesus spoke truly, whoever loves me, loves Him Who sent Me. The Spirit speaks truly, revealing to us the purposes of God for our salvation. The one who belongs to the Triune God, will seek to take the truth of God and receive it, submitting to it into the deepest part of his heart.
 
Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 ESV
 
https://youtu.be/7J3fjLQwq0E?si=HYE2NCPRyO1psKde Amazing Grace
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 24, 2026 -- Proverbs 12:5, 17 -- Whatcha thinking about? Seriously? Do you even know?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The thoughts of the righteous are just
the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
but a false witness utters deceit.
Proverbs 12:5,17 ESV
 
This pair of proverbs demonstrates the clear link between what one thinks and what one says. The thoughts of the righteous lead to speaking the truth. The true and honest evidence he gives may be costly. His honest answer may well expose his own past wrongdoing. But it is more important to lay one’s heart bare to the LORD, Who sees all, than allow wicked thoughts to have free range in your mind.
 
What are the thoughts and advice of wicked people? Deceitful. The word deceit also carries with it the sense of being treacherous—a danger to oneself and others. The guilt of the treacherous person increases with every thought and action.
 
People I meet with in prison, often complain “Why do I always wind up in the same mess?” (To be honest, you don’t have to be incarcerated to find yourself winding up in the same mess over and over again.) The answer can be found in the thought-processes of the heart and the soundtrack that runs through your brain.
 
Most of us have an on-going stream of words, thoughts, ideas flowing through our head. This stream of consciousness usually has no filter. So many of thoughts are informed by sinful urges. The honest man, the man of integrity, constantly pours into his brain good food for better thoughts. Examples of “good feeds”: the Bible; advice of godly friends; thinking about the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ—through Whom the formerly deceitful man has been made righteous.
 
What are you thinking about when you’re not thinking about anything at all?
 
Faithful Father, help me to gain eternal profit by what I read in the Word. Let the fountains of blessing pour living water into my dry and weary soul. By the instruction of the Bible, teach me to have the mind of Christ. Help me to submit my mind and heart to the Holy Spirit so that the Word of Truth will work its way right to the source of all my thinking and impulses. Purify me so that thought and word, impulse and action, are wholly aligned with Jesus. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/igV63aKSqb8?si=ii09xShwj_vqz0X0 Spirit of God Descend Upon my Heart
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 23, 2026 -- Proverbs 12:16 -- What is vexation? How does it affect my faith?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

16  The vexation of a fool is known at once,
but the prudent ignores an insult.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version
(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Proverbs 12:16.
 
As an English major, I must confess I love the sound of that word “vexation”. It describes a particular kind of anger a person feels. When a man thinks he is utterly in the right, and someone smashes against his smug pride with clear and honest words vexation describes that self-deceived person’s sputters and rages. He doesn’t take on board the possibility he is wrong; he digs in even deeper into his opinions of himself, with less integrity and less reason to do so.
A prudent man applies wisdom to the circumstances of his life. He hears criticism and repents. He withstands baseless arguments, holding his stance as a man of integrity, while as much as it depends on himself, keeping open the lines of communication. It looks like the insult is ignored; but the response is a combination of love and self-control. Let me explain.
 
When someone is a new believer in Jesus Christ, his ability to love others is expanded. In Jesus a believer’s sins are forgiven. The Father in heaven adopts him (or her) as a beloved child. Such love allows a man to hear insults and correction without immediately having to retaliate because he knows the height and width, breadth and length of God’s love being poured out on him and ever guarded in him by the Holy Spirit. Love bears all things (I Corinthians 13:7), insults, wrong-doing, and chirping, because one knows behind all of this is a deeper matter that needs to be reconciled.
 
Furthermore, a believer, who is a new creation in Christ, exercises the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control. You can see how that is completely different from the fool whose prickly irritability is immediately known by all. The self-controlled person, the man or woman who is submitted to the Holy Spirit, will know the wrong he is enduring is wrong, but have confidence that the God of justice and mercy, will one day, do what is right and rectify even this hard circumstance. And everyone who sees God’s judgment at the end of all time and history will say: “What God has done is perfect and just! Blessed be His Name forever and ever. Amen.”
 
God of love and justice, mercy and truth, by the work of Your Spirit in me, cause me to grow and mature in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the constant lovingkindness and patient endurance You show to me for the sake of Christ, Your Son, my Redeemer. From the depths of that patient love, teach me to live with others exercising holy patience and kindness which is seasoned with self-control. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/Cz4oe3v0m04?si=oNyG13rkWYyTQC9Z Psalm 42
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 22, 2026 -- Matthew 15:21-22, 28 -- Demon oppression and victory in Jesus!

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”
28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. Matthew 15:21-22, 28 ESV
 
We don’t know what it means that the daughter was severely oppressed by a demon. In Scripture we know of a dad, whose demon oppressed son would throw himself into the fire (Matthew 17:14ff). We know of demon-possessed men who lived among the tombs who cut themselves til they bled (Matthew 8:28ff). We know of a woman who attended the synagogue for 18 years, though Satan had afflicted her back with a twisting pain (Luke 1:10-17). Whatever it was, this mother was devastated by her daughter’s condition and pursued Him, Who is the Sun of Righteousness Who has healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2).
 
Demon oppression is different from demon possession. If one is demon possessed, a representative of the hosts of hell lives in that person. The person has been so given over to evil that the demonic controls his thoughts and mind and actions. It is a devastating condition. Demon oppression is different in that it is demonic forces which are still outside of a person working to attack him. There can be hallucinations. Pain. Sickness. Mental instability. Lies can seem very convincing. It is important to note that a believer can not be demon possessed. But a believer can be demon oppressed.
 
Demon oppression can also happen by invitation. A believer who dabbles in sin, or toys with it, will be welcoming tremendous oppression by demons. It is the work of Satan to destroy Christians. The Devil can not personally attack God in any way; he is too finite and the LORD of Hosts is infinite. The Devil is merely a created being that once didn’t exist and one day will be thrown into hell forever, he can’t in any way touch or affect God. However, the Devil will then seek to devour Christians. He will attack. He will lie. He will invite people back into old sins and former habits. Tantalizing them with lies they already know to be lies, but which aim at the vile, iniquitous desires of the heart.
 
No wonder former addicts return to their bottles, or needles. They are vulnerable to the oppression of the enemy because of their former eagerness to find and use. When a man or a woman has been made clean in Christ, the severity of the past battles have been exposed. To remain pure, one must abide in Christ and be vigilant every hour of every day. Previous areas of spiritual battle can now be weak-points, chinks in one’s armour against sin.
 
Whatever sin it is that has been ascendant will constantly assert itself against your faith. Gluttony. Sexual sins. Pride. Anger, Lust. Pornography. Unholy music. Vile movies. Slander. Meddling. Hatred for parents. Rebelliousness. Sin will have so weakened you, that you must wholly rely on Christ to keep you safe. In fact, if you could fight sin on your own, you would not need Jesus. The Bible, written for believers, constantly calls out sinful actions, and out-of-alignment-with-God thoughts precisely because these will always tempt believers. No wonder Paul said, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15). The more we give into sin, trying to fight the spiritual battle with worldly tools and attitudes, more we’ll be oppressed by such sins.

Dear fellow believer, look at the passage again. How easily Jesus asserted His All-Mighty power over hell. At His Word, the demon oppression was instantly conquered. Be encouraged, Jesus is your strong shield and defender.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for Love Incarnate, Jesus. Lord Jesus, in the areas of my life that are most vulnerable to attack, or I am easily charmed by sin’s deceitfulness, direct Your Spirit to be the guardian of my soul. Triune God, You are the foundation of my salvation, the victory in every step, and my only hope for a future as one who overcomes in the power of Jesus; keep me humble in my obedience, joyful in the Lord, and confident You are there with me, whether or not I can feel Your presence. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/VphMpFKb0o0?si=TrARA0Jc5stXfR0N There Rings Through the Clouds
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

June 20, 2026 -- Matthew 15:10, 18-20 -- Gross sinners, washed, sanctified (that includes you)

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And he [Jesus] called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person”…"But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”
Matthew 15:10, 18-20 ESV
 
On Wednesday, while teaching this material, and then in a prison while teaching Bible, this passage was in focus. I am speaking to men who are in the study who have committed murder. They are dangerous men; there is no doubt of that. Notice how evil thoughts is the root of the problem, because evil thoughts flow from a heart that is iniquitous. That is a heart which is out of alignment with God and His laws. Murder, according to Jesus, includes cursing your brother, hating your sister, or calling someone you fool! Ah, on that scale, which one of us is innocent? Not one of us!
 
What is the roadmap forward? Interestingly, Paul, formerly called Saul when he was a murderer and hater of Christians, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you” (I Corinthians 6:9-11a) stop. When a man looks lustfully at a woman, he has committed adultery. Revilers—ouch. Those are people who slander others, who mock at what is holy, whose evil thoughts and opinions are not anchored to the Truth of the Word of God. It is a broad category. It applies to so many of us, dear readers!
 
Who among us should have any hope? We will easily find ourselves on that list, unless we are completely blinded by our own sin, unable to smell the putrefaction spilling over into our speeches and dogging our steps. Remember, a murderer is writing this. Paul was a profoundly uncomfortable character in that early church. Think of it, many people in those early churches would have had family members arrested by him, or know people he, by the power of the religious authorities, had put to death. How could anyone on that list of I Corinthians 6:9-11a hope to find peace with God? They’d be reviling Paul, who wrote this material (yes, the Spirit led him to write it, but humanly speaking, they’d want to hate him).  Read on. “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (I Corinthians 6:11).
 
Why is it Christians welcome others? It is the work of Jesus Christ. He has washed us. Unless you know the full extent of your wickedness and your need for cleansing, you will always seek the close the door of God’s great grace behind you. You’d constantly try to shut people out of the kingdom, in your pride, you are on the wrong side of that door. Pride is an abomination to the LORD of Glory. Read on:

• "To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." Proverbs 8:13

• "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." James 4:6

• These are just two examples of approximately thirty you can find in the Bible.

Why is it Christians welcome others, who they know were horrendous sinners? Because we know the washing of Jesus and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. In reverent awe we declare, “welcome you, who like us, know the depths of God’s love and Jesus’ reconciling work”. On Wednesday, and at that in-prison Bible Study, there were times of holy silence. As the glorious work of God, His matchless mercy and great compassion, and saving grace touched hearts. Today’s prayer is from a song, popular just over a decade ago, by Casting Crowns.
 
Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in Your name
But the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners
The truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You
But they're trippin' over me
Always lookin' around, but never lookin' up
I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands
And a heart divided
Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world
At the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners
Break our hearts for what breaks Yours
Casting Crowns: Jesus, Friend of Sinners
 
https://youtu.be/BY6VAy9y_iQ?si=R7c4QRE75Pauq8_H Jesus, Friend of Sinners
 

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